The purpose of this paper is to provide background to stakeholders regarding the Statistical Areas Level 3 (SA3s) and 4 (SA4s), and the Capital Cities of the ASGS and, to seek input from stakeholders to facilitate consultation on their design.

The SA3 and SA4 are two of the new levels in the hierarchy of regions defined by the ASGS. As depicted in diagram 1, mesh blocks build up to SA1s, which in turn build up through the SA2, SA3, SA4, State and Territory to the whole of Australia.

Capital Cities will be constructed of whole SA4s.

Diagram 1: The ASGS Main Structure

For complete structural diagrams of the ASGS, please see the Appendix.

The SA3 level is intended to represent a regional sub-state geography, broadly similar to the current Statistical Divisions in regional areas and Statistical Subdivisions within the major cities.

The SA4 level is intended to replace the current ABS Labour Force Regions (LFRs).